Winter is finally upon us in Vermont! Does this mean more idling is needed to warm up your car? No.

The Department of Enerty and many other expert sources tell us 30 seconds of stationary warm up is all that is needed on winter days for any light-duty vehicle (car, SUV, van, pickup) built after 1996. Driving gently is the best way to warm up in winter. In fact, a vehicle warms up in half the time when driving. Clear snow and ice off before starting (avoid using remote starters). Now, if defrosting is not adequate, or it’s colder than 10 degrees, or for frail, elderly and infant passengers, let it idle for a minute or two.

The surprisingly huge impact of idling:

Air quality/health – Today’s internal combustion engine vehicles, despite emissions controls, still emit harmful levels of exhaust chemicals such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons and benzene. These emissions are worse during idling, particularly in hot and cold weather extremes. They can cause cancer over time, exacerbate heart conditions, and exacerbate or cause asthma. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable.

Energy and environment – Idling an average vehicle for 15 minutes daily emits 785 pounds of CO2 annually. This is the same as: